Italian stallion: Sunderland's Emanuele Giaccherini runs with the ball against Carlisle United

Arrival: Midfielder Gomez signed for Sunderland from Wigan during the transfer window

And Sunderland are looking good in pre-season and manager Poyet will be happy with his side's resilience.

The Black Cats before Darlington 1883 5-1 away in their first pre-season game on Saturday.

They travel to face Hartlepool United on Wednesday before setting on their pre-season tour of Iberia, where they will face Spanish side Recreativo de Huelva before finishing with matches against Portuguese outfits CD Nacional and Vitoria Setubal.

Concern: Modibo Diakite was forced to leave the pitch injured after only 29 minutes against Carlisle United